Canada's 2-year measles outbreak officially declared over by health authorities
The Public Health Agency of Canada ended the outbreak Monday after 6,417 cases across 10 provinces and territories. Two infants died; most infected were unvaccinated.
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The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) declared the country's measles outbreak officially over on Monday, more than two years after it began in October 2024 in New Brunswick.
The outbreak affected 10 provinces and territories—all except Yukon, Nunavut, and Newfoundland and Labrador—with a total of 6,417 linked cases. In 2026 alone, 1,032 cases were reported. Ontario recorded 2,390 cases; Alberta 2,299; and Manitoba 1,033. The outbreak claimed two infant deaths—one in Ontario, one in Alberta—both infected in the womb.
PHAC declared the outbreak over after more than two months passed without a new linked case. The criterion marks a turn from November 2025, when Canada lost its elimination status after the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) determined that the same measles virus strain had sustained transmission for more than a year. To regain elimination status, Canada must keep the strain stamped out for at least 12 months while improving surveillance systems and outbreak response capacity.
Most outbreak cases occurred among unvaccinated people. Between October 4 and 10, three new measles cases were reported that were not linked to the outbreak, signalling continued circulation risk.
Dr. Joss Reimer, Chief Public Health Officer at PHAC, said: "While this milestone is encouraging, measles continues to circulate globally, and we can expect to see further travel-related cases here at home." Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel added: "So while the outbreak is over, our work to increase vaccination rates and protect the health of Canadians continue."
Provincial outbreaks concluded at different times: Ontario declared its outbreak over in fall 2025; Alberta's ended in July; and Manitoba's last confirmed case arrived in August, with the province declaring its outbreak over on October 16 after a 20-month run. As HighOnCity reported in July, Toronto Public Health issued a measles exposure warning at three healthcare centres; in August, York Region confirmed people exposed at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.
By the numbers
How many measles cases were recorded across Canada during this outbreak?
The Public Health Agency of Canada documented 6,417 linked cases across 10 provinces and territories from October 2024 through October 2026.
Which province had the most measles cases?
Ontario recorded 2,390 cases, the highest total among all affected provinces and territories.
How many measles deaths occurred during the outbreak?
Two infants died from measles during the outbreak—one in Ontario and one in Alberta, both infected in the womb.
When did Manitoba declare its outbreak over?
Manitoba declared its measles outbreak over on October 16, 2026, after 20 months of confirmed cases.
